So I've just ordered my first ever board, the Arbor Westmark. I probably spent more on my first set up than I should have... so I want to make sure I look after it well. I would like this board to last a while. (although it will only be used 6-12 days a year)

I am going to the French Alps for 6 days riding this march, I was planning on detuning the nose and tail, and riding the factory wax. Then storing it in my bedroom for the summer, and taking it for a service just before I go next season, and before every holiday after that.

Will it be fine to ride the factory wax for 6 days? I am only an intermediate at this point, with the aim to progress when I get out in march. And is this level of maintenance enough to keep my board healthy for years to come?

I know it's long, but skim through the general maintenence sticky. Lots of good info there. Although you can ride you're board on the factory "wax" I never would as waxing your board isn't difficult and is healthy for your base. I would also never go six days without a wax. I wax mine between 3 and 4 days depending on conditions. I also recommend waxing your board before storage at the end of the season to prevent your base from drying out.

Some here will say "That's fine, just ride it and enjoy", but I am not of that school of thought.

For me the bare minimum would be.

1. Hot wax before your trip. Factory wax is lame at best and good for no more than one day max.

2. Hot wax it before you put it away for the season. Do not scrape it. Leave the wax on it for the summer and ask for your edges to be covered as well. (Helps prevent rust )

3. Scape it just before you go to use it next season.

Repeat seasonally.

I wax after every 3 days. Some wax more often, some not at all. Your Westmark has an extruded base and can go longer between waxes than a sintered base. But if you want to get the best out of the board over the life of the board, 1 to 3 is your absolute minimum.